Today I drove through Starbucks and got my usual soy iced latte. While I was ordering, my children were in the backseat sweating and complaining of hunger and my 3-year-old kept saying she wanted to go to 'chik-P-lay'. And, little did they know that they would soon get a real lesson in politics. After all, I was going to need the caffeine after seeing the ridiculous line of cars and people at Chik-fil-A. So, I decided to go but not without my Starbucks latte.
What do the two establishments have in common? Well one company supports the LGBTcommunity and its rights/ benefits for same sex couples while the other upholds family values and seeks to keep the traditional definition of marriage (male& female) both through various organizations and lobbyists. One uses fairtrade and organic products while the other uses free range chicken shot with antibiotics and hydrogenated oils. So there you go. Today I went to my local chik-fil-A to support a man who backs my own views & opinions in regards to the biblical sense of marriage and family. (Not because of a few of the organizations that Chik-fil-A's money has gone to for example ExodusInternational and Family Research Council). I have nothing against Focus on the Family and we share the same views on biblical matters and parenting. People may have gone today for other various reasons but that’s where I stood knowing that the actual President didn't ask for this. But we share the same moral and biblical mindset and we hold to it strongly with every fiber of our being. Here is my experience:
I walked into a very crowded fast food place. It was filled with people! It was hot and reeked of chicken and sweat. But no one seemed to be complaining. All of the workers were beyond stressed & overwhelmed but worked diligently. I couldn't help but feel for them. They didn't sign up for this. A lady was walking with a newborn and people kept bumping into her. One lady bumped into me and my lemonade literally went flying and busted on the floor. With my two children in tow I tried to clean it up for fear of someone slipping. The lady who bumped into me graciously got me another one even though I told her not to worry about it that I didn't really need it. The line was long and I was feeling the stress. Luckily my kids were okay though I was doing my best to keep them on me at all times. We sat down finally and started to eat. It was a different vibe. I knew why most people were there. And I was eavesdropping on conversations all around me about politics, about rights, about beliefs, about freedom of speech. It was crowded but peaceful. In the middle of our lunch ayoung man walked in. He loudly spoke up to all who would hear about freedom and the rights of individuals mostly from his perspective and how wrong we were.The man had to shout...there was just too many people and all started to quiet down just a bit to see and hear what was going on and who was shouting. The man said what he thought needed to be said and walked out with a Chik-fil-A drinkin hand. And what happened then saddened me the most. A murmur of chuckling grew around me as the man was already in the parking lot. Maybe this is a simple human response? But it didn't feel right & it was no laughing matter. It’s a very real & serious matter with real people involved especially when it is so close to the upcoming November election. The act resembled what my mouth tasted like. Chicken and Starbucks lattes are gross together. I had a bitter taste in my mouth and in my heart. My 1-year-old sonstarted crying because the man was loud and disruptive. My daughter was wide-eyed with fear and uncertainty and looking to me for the next move. Afterall, it was my fault for subjecting them to something that had a sensitive cause behind it. Though they may be too young for politics they aren't by any means too young for the biblical principles our family believes in wholeheartedly. And that’s why I went and got a few kids meals. My heart went out to him even though I don't think he should have been so disruptive to a silent support though it’s to be expected. I hear you! I don't agree with youbut I hear you! It’s okay to disagree but it’s not okay to treat someone else with such distaste. And no I don't expect everyone at Chick-fil that day to befilled with the love & compassion of Jesus. We soon left after that. It began to feel wrong for me being there because of it. I didn't want to associate myself with negligence. The man could have taken more peaceful ways to counter respond, in fact, I hear there may be one on Friday. And he walked into a hornet's nest. Anyways, the reason I had my Starbucks in hand was because I mean to show no disrespect, hatred, name-calling, ignorance, or become blind or deaf to a community with a different lifestyle then mine who is calling out for civil rights and a broader acceptance to their community. We may agree to disagree politically and morally but I will not mock your stance or your person. But one thing we can agree on, is that it’s complicated, especially on the federal level and we must be sensitive and respectful to each other's needs. Just like you cannot separate your person from your lifestyle, I cannot separate my political and moral beliefs from my spiritual beliefs. They are everything I am. I know you feel the same way. Some may believe in their own moral code and themselves. I do not believe in my self. I died to myself long ago and my moral code is given to me by scripture and a God given standard living in which I am instructed to teach my children and I have to be obedient about it otherwise I will be taken as a liar to God, to my children,to my grandchildren and to all making the Bible false, and my God a liar which is not truth if I side with something that is to its core immoral. That moral code never changes. My God whom I worship never changes. I understand politically that I cannot win any argument with scripture when one doesn't believe in it or a Creator. I get that! Just know that’s where I come from. And I will vote the way I vote and do my best to be honorable and treat all persons with dignity regardless. I do not wish to be divisive on that level. You are not my enemy because I call you beloved friend. But on lifestyle I have to disagree. I don't wish to deny anyone a right. I view marriage as sacred. But no one can tell a person how to vote and that's the beauty of it. If anything is disagreeable with what I believe in faith no matter how much I love someone I have to side with faith. If I see a potential attack on marriage and it's definition I get red flags. I'm just trying to protect what is holy even if I loose. We have to abide by the acting law and policy. On defining marriage belonging to man and woman...I have to hold to just that because I can't in good conscience vote for something to make someone feel better and me feel better and it touch something my God holds sacred and holy. It's a dichotomy of emotion. But my faith isn't built on emotion. It's not hatred by any means. It's not anti anyone. I also don't agree that any Christian or Church or secular Conservative should bully someone who wants benefits. And I hope others from another argument wont bully others or proclaim ignorance on someone who views marriage as sacred. We need respect &forgiveness too just as you do and keep the political sphere peaceful. No one should be ostracized because of a lifestyle or a belief system. I would be honored if someone from a different lifestyle would come worship alongside me even with a partner. And if anyone has denied you that right to attend a church setting than they have to take that up with God because that is beyond wrong & unthinkable.
So what's really the issue? The issue is that November is coming and the presidential election has already brought up many of an issue to be addressed.One is obviously the state of our economy, abortion is even strongly in the mix, and another is the civil rights of the LGBT community and what that could ultimately mean for the definition of marriage. Currently, 6 states recognize same-sex marriages. We are in the middle of court rulings and legislative action regarding this issue per state but not by popular vote. Nine states prohibit it and 30 prohibit it in their constitution. A few give most benefits to individuals and some give few benefits to those in a domestic partnership. President Barack Obama made a huge political move by publicly declaring his support and thereby undoing his former stance. So what are the rights either full or in part?
There are 1,138 benefits, rights and protections provided on the basis of marital status in Federal law. The Defense of Marriage Act defines "marriage" as only a legal union between one man and one woman, same-sex couples - even if legally married in their state - will not be considered spouses for purposes of federal law. There is great controversy in this. On one side, homosexual advocates seek not to redefine what marriage is for religion but to modify civil marriage to include them benefits and all. (Well not yet any way) There is resistance to the traditional sense that marriage is a sacred practice on moral and religious grounds. So what is the difference between Marriage and civil unions? This is where it gets complicated. Opponents also see marriage today whether in regards to religious or secular differences as being shaky in its social morals. There is divorce, there is promiscuity, abandonment, and needs for spousal and child support on both the religious and secular level. That is where we are. I see more harm then good. I see stepping-stones to a destruction of social morale. Has it gone too far? Marriage between man and woman is sacred for many. Is it pushing morality to the brink? Societies and cultures and religions spanning time have put restrictions on the relatively new practice of same-sex marriage. There is a point where we are to question it. One cannot marry a relative, nor can they marry a child and have society call it okay because that individual calls it moral especially in the US. At least I hope we can agree on that and I know that is a stretch and by no means a comparison. I also fear lawsuits being thrown at churches, ministers, and priests by crying out 'discrimination'for one withholding a blessing or ceremony because one does not agree with what is being asked of their services based on biblical principle if they choose to do so. It’s easier to choose to go elsewhere. Is it discriminating someone who is not Christian to be hired into a pastoral position for instance in a church setting? I mean could it come to this? Do we call separation of Church and State on both accounts? Is everything a civil rights issue, is everything going to be labeled as hate and discrimination? And no this shouldn't be compared to the Civil Rights movement, which is very different and is actually its own sensitive subject and it is disrespectful to those whosuffered during that time. It's a poor strategy I could see backfiring. Regardless, it’s a states issue on a political level and not a federal issue. I know many would disagree and I know it's a painful and hurtful issue. I'm still struggling & wrestling with it. We are dealing with real lives.
My heart
Now I am speaking to those who are practicing Christians and who are Biblicists. I speak truth out of love & great remorse because this only applies to you all. If you are reading this and don't believe in God nor believe scripture holds validity then don't read any further...but I advise you to learn because I go out of my way to look at all perspectives and educate myself on all sides so that I am not the ignorant one in my discussion withothers though you may not understand it whatsoever. I cannot and will not change my beliefs about what marriage is suppose to be about and here is why: I believe that downgrading it anymore than it already has will lead to a snowball affect in what little morale our nation has left as a whole both within the secular realm and the church. There is a movement for tolerance and social acceptance of making what’s immoral neo-moral and it’s bigger than just the issue of homosexuality, that’s just one step especially for extremists on the issue. We need some morals to believe in. It’s all we have left. We are a greedy, promiscuous nation. And it even falls upon our education system. Our kids are raised into accepting and tolerating new-moralism and being okay with it as if it's acceptable and downgrading other views as not just another truth but a falsehood in unintelligent thinking. Secularism is religion. I have to teach my kids that it’s a god that we do not worship. We can be aware of it but not tolerate it. We are in the world but not of the world. Scripture is VERY clear on how God the Father views homosexuality as well as other sexual sin. (are we not all at fault in some ways?) If you are confused on where you stand on this...then you are confused on what the Bible says about it. You need to pray and seek God on this. Scripture is a living breathing document seen as a whole not as parts. It doesn't change God. It’s sharper than a two-edged sword andcuts and divides bone from marrow. It hurts but it’s never unloving or neglectful on any person. I know it’s difficult because we all have close friends with this lifestyle. It grieves me! It is not hatred of a person or persons. If God sees a lifestyle and its ultimate destruction of his creation an abomination than you should to. Sin leads to death. Divorce is the death of a marriage is it not? The very reason God hates it. The fall of mankind was a type of divorce on his creation that was once very good in His eyes. He has to hate sin by His nature. In the end, it kills His creation. We are all the adulteress woman who ran away from God and indulged ourselves. And we are ALL without excuse and are all sinners. Our devotion is first to him. Here is what scripture says about unlawful sexual relations whether itspractices of homosexuality, prostitution, orgy, divorce and/or adultery,(unmarital sex or extramarital sex) bestiality, and idolatry. Mind you...theyare strong.
The truth on sexual Immorality
I go now to Romans 1 & 2
..."The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them. For since creation of the world God's invisible qualities -his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things, which are not proper. Being filled with unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; fully of envy, murder, strife, deceit,malice, they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, arrogant, boastful,inventors of evil, disobedient to their parents, without understanding,untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful, and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but have pleasure in them that do them. Therefore you have no excuse,everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practices the same things. And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. But do you suppose this, O man-you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself-that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you think lightly of the riches of his kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each person according to his deeds."(that is all of us)
Leviticus 18:22 "you shall not lie with a male as one lieswith a female; it’s an abomination.
Leviticus 20:13 "If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a female, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their blood guiltiness is upon them.
1 Corinthians 6:11 "Or do you not know that the unrighteous wil not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators,nor idolaters, nor adulterers, no effeminate (by perversion), nor homosexuals,nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but your were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord JesusChrist and in the Spirit of God."(do you see yourself, I sure do...truth is none are righteous but my sin was covered by the blood of Jesus)
1 Timothy1: 8 "But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing that the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and the sinners, for the unholy and the profane, for those who kill their fathers or mother's, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching.
The Truth about Exposing Sin
And to those who misinterpret Matthew 7 "Judge not, lest you be judged, since you will be judged in the same judgment that you make, and you will be measured by the same standard you apply..." it is meant to warn against self deception & hypocrisy. We are called to call out sin; we are called to be accountable to each other otherwise we ourselves are in sin for withholding truth and keeping restoration from happening to believers. But we must do so in a loving matter and in scripture there is a proper process to restore an individual who is a believer with gentleness and tact. Yes God will judge the world ultimately and he will also judge believers. This is the main argument for those who support tolerance. And it’s not by any means biblical or accurate. And it’s unloving, unjust, &ungodly. And it will lead others astray. If there is one lost sheep among us we are to drop everything and go after them. We are to judge false believers and test all things whether they are Godly or ungodly and discern the spirits. The beginning of Matthew 7 addresses that we should be weary of our own specks in our own eyes. After all it's easier to throw judgment on others overt sin than looking at our own hidden sin..
Live as Children as Light in a Dark World
Ephesians 5..."and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma, But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you as is proper among saints. And there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse joking, which are not fitting, but rather giving thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure personor covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom ofChrist and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God come upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord, walk as children of light. (For the fruit of Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth) trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is disgraceful even to speak of the things, which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposedby the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you."
Prayfor our Nation
I pray that God withholds his wrath on this nation. I know history and I know God, and I know the ultimate enemy's cunning ways and I am but a small but bright light in a room of darkness, and I know as Christians its our duty to get down on our knees and pray and fast. The prophets of old did it, Jesus cried out to God on the cross "Father forgive them!" when those who knew of God and his law condemned the one to death who called himself Son of God. All I can do now is be moved in compassion to pray and plead for God to withhold his destruction and extend his grace and to pour out his spirit and loving kindness for his peoples sake. We acknowledge our nation makes a mockery out of you. I too have plenty of sin drawn in my own dirt some of which may not be as exposed to society making me an outcast. Lord, continue to destroy any part of me that resembles a Pharisee and the attitude of self-righteousness that only belongs to you." And my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land. (2Chronicles 2:14).
Believers pray for your marriage with your spouse. It’s the nearest thing we have to resembling and upholding the image of God and how Christ is suppose to love the Church. This is more constructive than eating a fried chicken sandwich. Do not let anything have a foothold in destroying this institution, which was meant for one man and one woman to enjoy, to procreate and honor Godwith our bodies.
I mean no disrespect and this may be taken as offensive. But without truth I have no love. And without love I have no truth. They cannot be divided. And in everything that I hold dear to...I would be a liar in my faith if I did not expose truth and bring forth light into dark times. As a child of God, as a wife, as a mother and a fellow sister in Christ I have to set an example. To this I am not sorry. My morals are here to stay. We may agree to disagree but know my side is just as apparent and real as yours. May we not bully one another but discuss and listen. I mean it when I say at the end of the day I will eat with you and be involved in your lives regardless of policy. If you need me on your deathbed I would hold your hand and your partner's hand and will cry and mourn and pray and grieve. We are doing life together. Because it boils down to this: I see man and his needs and his potential, I don't see lifestyle. God looks at the heart of a man. I see life and soul and I see hope.
Respectfully,
Bethany
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